Essential Safety & Onboarding Guidelines
Crucial Facts to Know
- Limited Space: Storage space on board is very tight. Unnecessary items directly compromise comfort and safety. Cabins feature just one small locker shared between two crew members.
- Hygiene & Tidiness: Because quarters are close, anything that emits bad odors will be disposed of without warning.
- Wardrobe Strategy: Plan a multi-layering system rather than packing outfits for every possible occasion.
- First Aid: The yacht’s first-aid kit covers basic emergencies (antiseptics, bandages, cardiac medications, etc.). Overseas pharmacies use different brand names, require prescriptions for common drugs, and can be significantly more expensive.
- Cabin Temperature: A yacht retains ambient warmth but has no active heating.
- Onboard Comforts: Yachts are well-equipped with head/toilet, shower, gas stove, cookware, cutlery, bedding, mattresses, and pillows.
- Power Supply: Standard 220V electrical outlets are available only while docked in marinas with shore power connection. Bring 12V car adapters/USB chargers for use while underway.
- Child Safety: Children under 14 must wear life jackets at all times while on deck or in the cockpit when the boat is moving.
- Provisioning: Food purchases are managed centrally by each crew using pooled contributions to the ship’s kitty (shared fund for general expenses).
WHAT NOT TO BRING
- Hard-Shell Suitcases & Wheeled Bags: Pack exclusively in soft, collapsible duffel bags or frameless backpacks that can be folded flat and stowed under a berth or in a locker.
- Excess Items: If you are debating whether to take an item, leave it behind!
- Toilet Paper: Already provided on board or purchased locally.
- Life Jackets (Adult Sizes): Adult life jackets are supplied on board. Exception: Child sizes (we recommend buying a child’s jacket together with them so they like wearing it, as children under 14 must wear them on deck at all times while underway).
- Crockery & Utensils: Plates, cups, cutlery, or immersion heaters are fully stocked in the galley.
- Fishing Rods: It is easier to buy basic tackle locally if needed.
- Illicit Drugs: Strictly prohibited (including recreational substances). Possession on board can result in severe legal consequences in foreign jurisdictions.
- Binoculars: Provided as standard yacht equipment.
- High Heels: Incompatible with yacht decks and highly unsafe.
MUST-HAVE ITEMS
- Passport (International): Checked by Coast Guard and local maritime police.
- Cash & Credit Cards
- Travel & Medical Insurance
- Sailing Logbook (if you hold one)
- Waterproof Jacket & Trousers (foul weather gear)
- Swimwear
- Deck Shoes: Closed-toe, non-slip, non-marking, and breathable footwear. Sneakers smell quickly; going barefoot poses safety hazards. Classic deck shoes/boat shoes (e.g., Top-Siders) are the gold standard.
- Sailing Gloves: ¾ finger style (exposing the first phalanx). Ensure a proper fit—too small causes chafing; too large poses line-handling risks.
- Shore Shoes: Comfortable sneakers or sandals for walking in town, visiting shops, or using marina showers. Keep separate from your deck footwear.
- Quick-Dry Trousers: Lightweight trousers (avoid heavy denim).
- Rubber Flip-Flops: For marina showers.
- Long-Sleeve Top: At least one long-sleeve shirt to protect against sunburn.
- Woolen Socks: At least one pair.
- Light Windbreaker Shell: Breathable layer for evening breezes on the water.
- Polarized Sunglasses (PL): Preferably with a retaining lanyard to prevent dropping them overboard.
- Knit Beanie
- Sun Hat / Cap
- Sunscreen: High-SPF (SPF 15 to 50+). Everyone burns on the water due to reflection—even those who rarely burn on land.
- 12V Chargers: Car socket adapters or USB cables for all personal electronics.
- Personal Toiletries: Essential items for anchorages where shore facilities are unavailable.
- Insect Repellent
MANDATORY FOR CHILDREN
- Brimmed Sun Hat
- Knit Beanie
- Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
- UV-Protection Lip Balm
- Personal Life Jacket: Legally required for children under 14. We recommend purchasing one individually to ensure an exact fit.
OPTIONAL / ALLOWED ITEMS
- Lightweight Summer Sleeping Bag: For sleeping out on deck under the stars.
- Water Shoes / Reef Shoes: To protect feet from rocks and sea urchins during shore landings.
- Shorts, T-Shirts & Light Shirts
- Compact Headlamp or Flashlight
- Sailing Pocket Knife: Compact, with a locking blade mechanism.
- Fleece Sweater & Track Pants: Useful for chilly night watches.
- Travel Towel: Compact microfiber towel as a spare (standard bath towels are provided with bedding).
- Camera / Action Cam: Waterproof or in a protective case.
- Thermal Underwear: Mountain/outdoor base layers (top and bottoms).
- Laptop: Only if strictly required for work.
- Evening Wear: Generally unnecessary unless specified for specific land destinations.
- Snorkeling Gear & Inflatables: Easier to purchase locally if desired.
- Power Inverter (12V to 220V): Not needed.
- Sailing Rubber Boots: Depends on the region and season (unnecessary for summer in Croatia; recommended for winter in the Canaries or UK waters).
- Favorite Local Foods: Hard cured sausages, buckwheat, condensed milk, or specific comfort foods hard to find abroad.
MEDICAL & FIRST AID KIT
- Motion Sickness Medication: Test effectiveness prior to the trip.
- Personal Prescription Drugs
- General Personal Remedies: Proven over-the-counter medications you regularly use.
- Contraception / Personal Safety Items
- Adhesive Bandages / Antiseptic Plasters
WHERE TO BUY SAILING GEAR
- Decathlon: Affordable, practical entry-level gear.
- Moreman: Specialized marine equipment retail network.
- Marinepool: Technical marine clothing brand.
- Gaastra: Nautical fashion and performance wear.
- Musto: Premium, high-tech foul weather gear.
- Extreme Shop: Outdoor and action sports center (extreme-shop.ru).
- Henri Lloyd: Heritage luxury sailing brand.








